Modelling advances in gatekeeping theory for academic libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 389-408
Author(s):  
Paul Ojennus
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Thought Experiment ◽  
Levels Of Analysis ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Communication Studies ◽  
Information Flows ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the appropriateness of gatekeeping theory, particularly its recent elaboration in journalism and communication studies for the investigation of information flows in academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses the methods of conceptual analysis and thought experiment. Findings This paper finds that current elaborations of gatekeeping theory are useful for modeling library information flows, particularly identifying and evaluating influences on those flows. It is able to reframe intransigent issues around library neutrality and open access so that more nuanced approaches can be constructed. Originality/value Gatekeeping theory as elaborated by Shoemaker and Vos for journalism and communication studies, while occasionally referenced the library and information science (LIS) literature, has not been previously evaluated as a framework for library information flows. This is the first paper to assess the potential of aspects of the theory such as levels of analysis and multiplicity of channels to reframe issues in LIS.

scholarly journals Levels of critique in models and concepts of human information behaviour research

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reijo Savolainen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Research Domain

PurposeTo elaborate the nature of critique presented in the models and concepts of human information behaviour (HIB) research by identifying the issues to which the critique is directed and the ways in which the critique is conducted.Design/methodology/approachConceptual analysis focusing on 58 key studies on the topic. First, the objects and ways of conducting the critique were identified. Thereafter, three levels of depth at which the critique is conducted were specified. The conceptual analysis is based on the comparison of the similarities and differences between the articulations of critique presented at these levels.FindingsAt the lowest level of depth, critique of HIB research is directed to the lack of research by identifying gaps and complaining the neglect or paucity of studies in a significant domain. At the level of critiquing the shortcomings of existing studies, the attention is focused on the identification and analysis of the inadequacies of concepts and models. Finally, constructive critiques of research approaches dig deeper in that they not only identify weaknesses of existing studies but also propose alternative in which the shortcomings can be avoided, and the conceptualizations of HIB enhanced.Research limitations/implicationsAs the study focuses on critiques addressed to HIB models and concepts, the findings cannot be generalized to concern the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) as a whole. Moreover, due to the emphasis of the qualitative research approach, the findings offer only an indicative picture of the frequency of the objects critiqued in HIB research.Originality/valueThe study pioneers by providing an in-depth analysis of the nature of critiques presented in a LIS research domain.

Knowledge creation and play – a phenomenological approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 503-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Reetta Suorsa
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Theoretical Study ◽  
Hermeneutic Phenomenology ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Processes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the experiential nature of knowledge creating interaction and to introduce a framework to explore it theoretically coherently with hermeneutic phenomenology and Hans-Georg Gadamer’s concept of play. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a literature-based conceptual analysis of the concept of play. Gadamerian conception is related with the descriptions of knowledge creating interaction in the research of knowledge management and with the uses of the concept of play in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). Theoretical analysis is applied in this study to structure the argumentation. Findings – This study illustrates how the preconceptions of experiences and different modes of being in interaction are implicitly present in the research of knowledge creation (KC) in the descriptions of interaction and human factors enhancing KC. A framework for examining KC in organizational circumstances is developed based on the hermeneutic phenomenology and Gadamer’s concept of play, which provide a basis for understanding KC as being together in interaction. Research limitations/implications – This theoretical study develops a framework for examining the process of KC also empirically. In this study the examination of hermeneutic phenomenology is limited to the conceptions of play, authenticity and everydayness; phenomenology offers means for further explication of human being and experience. Originality/value – This study provides a new view on KC based on hermeneutic phenomenology and play, and contributes to the examination of interactive knowledge processes in the field of LIS.

Doing neoliberal things with words in libraries

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 595-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Buschman
Keyword(s):  
Power Relations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Language ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
Language Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to flesh out a truncated line of analysis in library and information science (LIS) of language analyses of power in the field. Design/methodology/approach Literature-based conceptual analysis of the problems engendered by neoliberalism in LIS and the productive approach of language analysis of Austin, Habermas, and Smith that allows us to account for neoliberalism’s effects in language and practices – doing things with words. Findings LIS has engaged a productive postmodern analysis of power relations that reflects social and economic progress, but Austin, Habermas, and Smith offer a sensible, practical explanation for the operation of neoliberal hegemony on the practices of librarianship. Originality/value Postmodern analyses are now being deployed in portions of LIS, but they fail to account for the full implications of the dominant public language (and policy and practices) of neoliberalism for librarianship. This is productive exploration of those implications to correct and round out those analyses.

Once more unto the breach

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Buschman
Keyword(s):  
Historical Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore an approach to epistemology which allows a portion of library and information science (LIS) to coherently explain its social and intellectual contributions, and to overcome some of the problems of epistemology that LIS encounters. Design/methodology/approach Literature based conceptual analysis of the problems of epistemology in LIS and the productive approach of Deweyan Pragmatism. Findings LIS’ problems with epistemology come from a variety of sources: epistemology itself, the combining of librarianship with information science, and the search for a common grounding of the information professions, their tools and their institutions. No such theoretical foundation is possible, but Deweyan Pragmatism offers a sensible, practical explanation for the historical development and practices of librarianship. Originality/value Pragmatism has been deployed in portions of LIS, but the full implications and the “fit” of Dewey’s ideas for librarianship and its epistemology are productive explorations.

scholarly journals The concept of neutrality: a new approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 333-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Macdonald ◽  
Briony Birdi
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Normative Framework ◽  
Contextual Awareness

Purpose Neutrality is a much debated value in library and information science (LIS). The “neutrality debate” is characterised by opinionated discussions in contrasting contexts. The purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature by bringing these conceptions together holistically, with potential to deepen understanding of LIS neutrality. Design/methodology/approach First, a literature review identified conceptions of neutrality reported in the LIS literature. Second, seven phenomenographic interviews with LIS professionals were conducted across three professional sectors. To maximise variation, each sector comprised at least one interview with a professional of five or fewer years’ experience and one with ten or more years’ experience. Third, conceptions from the literature and interviews were compared for similarities and disparities. Findings In four conceptions, each were found in the literature and interviews. In the literature, these were labelled: “favourable”, “tacit value”, “social institutions” and “value-laden profession”, whilst in interviews they were labelled: “core value”, “subservient”, “ambivalent”, and “hidden values”. The study’s main finding notes the “ambivalent” conception in interviews is not captured by a largely polarised literature, which oversimplifies neutrality’s complexity. To accommodate this complexity, it is suggested that future research should look to reconcile perceptions from either side of the “neutral non-neutral divide” through an inclusive normative framework. Originality/value This study’s value lies in its descriptive methodology, which brings LIS neutrality together in a holistic framework. This framework brings a contextual awareness to LIS neutrality lacking in previous research. This awareness has the potential to change the tone of the LIS neutrality debate.

Researchers' judgment criteria of high-quality answers on academic social Q&A platforms

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 603-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Li ◽  
Chengzhi Zhang ◽  
Daqing He ◽  
Jia Tina Du
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Second Stage

PurposeThrough a two-stage survey, this paper examines how researchers judge the quality of answers on ResearchGate Q&A, an academic social networking site.Design/methodology/approachIn the first-stage survey, 15 researchers from Library and Information Science (LIS) judged the quality of 157 answers to 15 questions and reported the criteria that they had used. The content of their reports was analyzed, and the results were merged with relevant criteria from the literature to form the second-stage survey questionnaire. This questionnaire was then completed by researchers recognized as accomplished at identifying high-quality LIS answers on ResearchGate Q&A.FindingsMost of the identified quality criteria for academic answers—such as relevance, completeness, and verifiability—have previously been found applicable to generic answers. The authors also found other criteria, such as comprehensiveness, the answerer's scholarship, and value-added. Providing opinions was found to be the most important criterion, followed by completeness and value-added.Originality/valueThe findings here show the importance of studying the quality of answers on academic social Q&A platforms and reveal unique considerations for the design of such systems.

scholarly journals Introducing web components into the LIS graduate curriculum

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 660-668
Author(s):  
Judith Wusteman
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Graduate Programs ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Web Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Graduate Curriculum ◽  
Seismic Impact ◽  
The Web

Purpose This paper introduces web components, one of the most exciting and potentially transformative of the technologies that comprise HTML5. Web components provide a standardised method of creating and sharing custom HTML elements. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a viewpoint. Findings The paper proposes that the web development curriculum in library and information science (LIS) graduate programs needs to expand to cover this important topic. Originality/value Despite the potentially seismic impact of web components on Web development, up until this point, there has not been a discussion of this technology within the LIS literature.

The correct language of cataloguing local publications in East Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 517-526
Author(s):  
Eliz Nassali State ◽  
Isaac M.N. Kigongo-Bukenya ◽  
Constant Okello-Obura
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
The Body ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Subject Term ◽  
The Subject

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the subject cataloguing of local publications and subject access to local publications. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach was used. Methods included interviews, document reviews and observations. Findings – Adherence to cataloguing standards takes precedence over subject access. Rarely is a user the focus of choice of the subject term in the process of cataloguing. The terms assigned to local publications are generally too broad and, at times, border on inappropriateness. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of documented cataloguing policies and a waning interest in cataloguing matters from the profession. Originality/value – This study is intended to benefit the librarians who provide subject representation to local publications by way of streamlining the process of subject cataloguing, hence, enhancing access to these uniquely held resources. The outcome of this study, hence, will provide insight in the process of cataloguing local publications. In addition, the findings of this study will benefit the teaching of subject cataloguing in library and information science programs. The findings from this study are expected to contribute to the body of library science by enabling a localized view to subject assignation. Ultimately, the significance of the study lies in its contribution to cataloguing education and research, especially with a perspective from Africa.

Slavoj Žižek, Rex Libris, and the Traumatic Real

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 1265-1288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary P. Radford ◽  
Marie L. Radford ◽  
Mark Alpert
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Jacques Lacan ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Comic Book ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Slavoj Zizek ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Book Series ◽  
Slavoj Žižek

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use the work of philosopher Slavoj Žižek to gain insights into representations of the librarian and the library in contemporary popular culture. Design/methodology/approach – A psycho-analytic reading of the comic book series Rex Libris using Slavoj Žižek’s treatment of Jacques Lacan. Findings – Žižek’s approach can provide novel and previously unconsidered insights into the understanding of librarian stereotypes in particular and representations of the library in general. Research limitations/implications – This paper is limited to the representations of the librarian and the library in one comic book series. Its findings need to be generalized to representations in other forms of popular culture. Originality/value – As far as the authors know, this is the only paper that has applied the work of Žižek in the library and information science (LIS) literature. As such, not only are the insights into the representations of librarians and libraries important, this paper also acts as a valuable introduction to the work of Žižek for the LIS community of scholars.

Information activities as serious leisure within the fanfiction community

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 843-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Hill ◽  
Jen J.L. Pecoskie
Keyword(s):  
Peer Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Serious Leisure ◽  
Significant Information ◽  
Cultural Products ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Heritage ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Fanfiction communities are actively engaged in creating cultural products. These large online communities have created and developed conventions that guide their solutions to gathering and presenting their work. The purpose of this paper is to investigate those conventions looking for evidence of information-related pursuits as serious leisure (SL) (Stebbins, 2007). Design/methodology/approach A diverse collection of fanfiction publishing platforms, blogs, and associated websites were subject to a qualitative inductive analysis (Lincoln and Guba, 1985). Platforms included both generalist sites like Archive of Our Own and more focused sites such as Teen Wolf Fic Finder. Findings Findings show significant information-related activities around collecting, wayfinding, and organizing. Collecting centers on platform policies focused on scope. Wayfinding relates to peer review as well as various reference-like work including reader’s advisory, reference questioning, and the creation of pathfinders. Organizing looks to the unique organizational schema created and used by the fanfiction communities. Research limitations/implications The authors explore implications of these activities in reference to the fanfiction community and the library and information science (LIS) discipline. The fanfiction community is shifting out of an ephemeral existence and into one of a more permanent digital heritage. Fanfiction is an SL pursuit that also has much to offer for consideration to the LIS discipline. Practical implications With respect to the wayfinding and organizing conventions of fanfiction communities, these activities provide librarianship with the opportunity to consider traditional activities in new ways. Originality/value Fanfiction is a little studied phenomenon in SL and in LIS. This research provides connections to both areas.

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